The Registered Nurse First Assistant assists the primary surgeon in a non-physician first assistant role during the perioperative phases of patient care to include handling tissue, providing aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure and suturing of wounds, and dressing application for multi-specialties. Practices under the on-site (in-house) supervision and direction of the surgeon performing the surgical procedure. Collaborates and coordinates with the circulating nurse to perform routine and delegated duties according to established community and national standards. Also, functions in circulating nurse and/or scrub nurse roles as needed.

The ultimate decision as to the need for a surgical assistant remains with the primary operating surgeon. It is the surgeons responsibility to designate the most appropriate level of first assistant based on the characteristics of the patient, procedure and the operating environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Performed majority of the time -- please start with the responsibilities that are the most time consuming:

Participates in Time Out (pause for universal identification protocol) with surgeon, and other members of surgical team.

Applies extremity tourniquets, dressings, splints, casts and or traction according to physician orders and/or department standards of practice.

Assists in proper care, handling and storage of surgical instruments and equipment.

Assists in room clean up and turnover procedures according to department guidelines.

Follows correct course of action in various CODE procedures.

Provides care appropriate to the age of patients served infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients based on principles of growth and development and life stages.

Protects equipment from damage/misuse; reports damage/misuse and or malfunction to appropriate personnel.

Facilitates and maintains two-way communication between surgeon, staff and management.

Performed occasionally but critical to successful performance of the job:

Functions in the role of preceptor for new and or orienting personnel.

Attends and participates in staff meetings, in-services and continuing education opportunities.

Decision making and budget responsibilities (e.g. impact limited to the employee, entire unit or organization-wide):

Impact limited to the employee and the wellbeing of the patient.

No budget responsibility.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education:

Required

Bachelor or Master of Science in Nursing. **Current RN employees as of 1/27/2020 will be grandfathered back to the previous education requirement at their time of original hire.**

Preferred

N/A

Experience:

Required

Performance of a minimum of 100 cases as a First Assistant in the past two (2) years required, if not certified as an RNFA (may be part of a Certification Board Perioperative Nursing (CBPN) approved RNFA training program).

Preferred

N/A

Licenses, Certifications and/or Registrations:

Required

Current licensure as a registered nurse by the Oregon State Board of Nursing.

American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS.

Preferred

Active certification as a Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA), to include CNOR certification, from a Board-approved national certifying body preferred within five (5) years of completing the training program.

Job Related Skills, Abilities and Behaviors:

Required

Demonstrates knowledge of surgical procedures and individual surgeon preferences.

Utilizes the nursing process of assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation in the delivery of patient care.

Performs or appropriately delegates all independent functions as defined in the Oregon Nurse Practice Act.

Demonstrates advanced knowledge of anatomy and physiology specific to procedures performed.

Demonstrates dexterity and proper technique in handling tissue, providing exposure, using instruments, suturing and providing hemostasis.

Demonstrates specific responsibilities associated with CODE BLUE emergencies and CPR protocols.

Builds on basic learning and carries it from one situation to another.

Demonstrates critical thinking skills in problem solving and decision-making.

Takes responsibility to eliminate the source of problems.

Demonstrates confidentiality regarding patient and co-worker information according to PHI level of access.

Adjusts promptly and calmly to changes in the work environment; performs effectively in emergency situations.

Maintains proper appearance and personal conduct for the employee's particular job.

Uses effective communication skills taking into consideration body language, filters, listening, paraphrasing, and questions with customers of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Demonstrates behaviors consistent with Tualitys Standards for Success.

Demonstrates ability to work in a team situation.

Effectively handles sensitive situations and resolves misunderstandings.

Demonstrates proper appearance and personal conduct for the employee's particular job.

Safely handles hazardous materials according to OSHA guidelines.

Asks questions and seeks assistance.

Effectively manages the utilization of supplies.

Preferred

Bilingual skills a plus.